Medical Education in South Africa–Exciting times

Abstract

The dramatic political changes of the first ten years of democracy in South Africa have seen major shifts in vested power. Social change and political will have resulted in a new face of our medical student population. Diversity of colour, gender, religion and previously disadvantaged groups make student profiles as different as they could be from a decade ago. The forces of curriculum change, the devolution of power and resources from tertiary centres to primary care facilities and the financial squeeze on university coffers have resulted in enormous challenges for medical educators. South African doctors have been readily accepted in English-speaking countries around the world as they have been well trained, resourceful and usually extensively experienced in clinical situations. Some of these attributes remain. This paper outlines the new prospects facing those who will be educating the future doctors of South Africa.

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Notes on contributors

Athol Kent

ATHOL KENT is a medical educationalist attached to the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University of Cape Town. He is interested in peer teaching for undergraduates, especially concerning HIV, as well as distance learning for trainees and clinicians as part of Continuing Professional Development. He is Chair of the South African Association of Health Educationalists.

Marietjie R. de Villiers

MARIETJIE DE VILLIERS is Head of the School of Public and Primary Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Stellenbosch. Her recent research concerns the functioning and ongoing learning of rural doctors. She holds numerous appointments on national bodies such as the Health Professions Council and international organisations of general practitioners and regulatory bodies. She is also involved in undergraduate curriculum change, innovative postgraduate learning, and chairs the national Continuing Professional Development Task Group for the profession.